What characterizes a conductor in electrical terms?

A conductor in electrical terms is characterized by low resistance and high conductivity. This means that conductors allow electric current to flow through them easily, making them essential in electrical circuits and components. Materials such as copper and aluminum are common examples of good conductors because they have free electrons that can move readily within the material, contributing to efficient electricity transmission.

The quality of low resistance in a conductor means that there is minimal opposition to the flow of electric current. This is important in applications like electrical wiring, where you want to minimize energy loss due to resistance. High conductivity complements low resistance, indicating that the material is effective in allowing electric current to pass through without significant energy loss.

The incorrect options highlight misunderstandings about conductivity. High resistance and low conductivity suggest that a material is a poor conductor, which contradicts the defining characteristics of a conductor. The assertion that all materials conduct electricity equally well fails to recognize the varying degrees of conductivity found in different materials, which ranges from excellent conductors to insulators. Lastly, while many conductors are metals, not all conductors are metallic; for example, certain solutions and gases can also conduct electricity under specific conditions.